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04-07-2008 at 12:01 PM
psychgalbride
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Best place to raise a family in PGH?

Since we are focused on real estate today, I'd love to hear what you ladies think is the best place to raise a family in the Pittsburgh area and why.  


Christie

 
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04-07-2008 at 12:11 PM
MrsARC1105
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well that is a very open ended question.  I think there are many great places to raise a family and obviously it is subjective.
You say you want out of sq. hill but I think that is a great place to raise a family but I am a city gal married to a suburban boy.  The city is great because of the museums, diversity, culture and not all city schools are black holes contrary to the believe of many.
I live in the north hills and I think it is good but I also see a downside.  I think that can apply to any place.
I know we like our area (richland) because the schools are great, very family friendly, safe, space to grow.
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04-07-2008 at 12:16 PM
LNFbride05
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I am obviously biased, since I grew up in Mt. Lebanon and live there now, but I love the South Hills, including Lebo, USC and Bethel Park.  We have a very low crime rate, great schools with excellent resale value of the homes (we have equity in our house after just 1 year), older homes with a lot of character and architectural details, mature trees and all the houses don't look the same.  Our area has a very "neighborhood-y" feel and we know our neighbors by name, have block parties, exchange gardening ideas, etc.  I love the fact that kids actually play with their neighbors' kids here and run around in packs in the summer.  We have lemonade stands almost every week when it is warm (it is starting to sound a little like the Stepford Wives).  There is a lot of community pride and involvement and great community resources.

The main drawback is that the taxes are killer.
wed 10.8.05

seyi abigail born 3.28.07




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04-07-2008 at 12:33 PM
MrsAmers
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I assume you won't like my answer since you want to move out of Squirrel Hill.  :-)

We love Highland Park.  I could describe it in many of the same ways that Tobi describes Mt. Lebo.  The only differences are that you have to search for the good Pgh schools (or go private) and not all of the blocks are super-neighborly because of the rental factor.  But there are lots of families, great old houses, a beautiful park and easy access to the whole region from Route 28 (turnpike, 279, 79, 376, etc).

There are a ton of kids on our street, several businesses we can walk to, good public transportation access and lots of nearby businesses and restaurants in East Liberty, Shadyside and Waterworks.  Everything we need is 15-20 minutes from home.  If I have to go further than that, I get cranky.  :-)

Plus, DH and I have pretty short commutes, so we can maximize our time with DD.  And there were plenty of local daycare centers to choose from.  All positives of living in the city.
Heather Margaret was born on 02/09/07



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04-07-2008 at 12:47 PM
psychgalbride
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Since I sound like a spoiled brat, let me clarify why I would prefer to move out of the city. 

First of all, I miss my family and friends in Beaver County.  The 45 minute drive is not fun.  My niece will be born next month and would love to be able to care for her instead of them wasting money on daycare.   

Secondly, for the amount of money we want to spend we can either get an older, smaller house in Sq Hill or a much larger, new house outside the city. 


 


Christie

 
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04-07-2008 at 12:52 PM
MrsARC1105
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oh I didnt think you sounded like a brat at all, we all have preferences afterall.

The ARCs are taking over the world!!! Ashlyn & Fiona will be invading May 2008!!

Lilypie Expecting a baby Ticker
Topics that get the Pittsburgh board going:

The evil empire that is comcast

Dorming vs. commuting for college students who live close by

Expensive bags and shoes

How nice the nest should be

How a person should dress

Walmart-evil empire or friend to families?

International vs. domestic adoption

Push presents

People who give up pets after the baby arrives-Asshat move or understandable?

D9-Trouble maker or just an outspoken member of the board?

More topics to follow!


My cooking Blog

Jo's Kitchen 
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04-07-2008 at 1:14 PM
karenmay2003
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I agree that it's different for everyone.  I loved living in Pine Township, but we bought a house in Plum to be close to our families.  I think the best place to raise DD is around her family (especially as my MIL was getting sicker before she passed away).  So, we have crappy commutes to work, but a decent school and access to everything that the other suburbs have and it's perfect for us.
Karen

mommy to Makenna 08.12.2006

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04-07-2008 at 1:32 PM
MrsAmers
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Christie - I don't think you sounded like a brat, don't worry.  :-)  City living isn't for everyone and living near family is certainly a big bonus.  As my parents live almost 6 hours away and the ILs are almost 2 hours away, that isn't really a factor for us.

We all have different preferences and priorities.  That's why there are so many options.  :-)
Heather Margaret was born on 02/09/07



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04-07-2008 at 1:42 PM
Carole
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Honey, you are nothing but wonderful and full of sweetness...with each and every breath you take...and post you write!

I love Murrysville, in Westmoreland County, and my whole family seems to all be moving there or are already there!

The school district is wonderful...Franklin Regional...and my niece graduated third in her class and was accepted into a dual program in medical school, upon graduation.

Actually, God bless her...there were dozens of schools that wanted her!

Can you imagine...she was accepted into med school at the age of 18...her place in med school, God willing she likes it and God bless her, is already set, after college!
I am one proud aunt and Godmother!

Franklin Regional has been good to my nieces and nephew...they play and have played sports there and my niece lettered!

You can find any denomination of religion and a place to worship, and shopping galore...especially with being close to Monroeville and Moio's Bakery, a Monterey Bay, etc.

Murrysville is country living for sure...but close enough to the city.

It's about 45 minutes to the Steelers games and a bit less to Downtown, Pittsburgh, but a straight shot on the parkway...and it's close to the turnpike!

Relatives who have moved there, love it, and others are moving to get into that school district!

I love our little honeymoon cottage, and our neighborhood, but if my neighbors ever move...I will be looking in Murrysville, as well...

Wishing you the best, and any neighborhood on the globe would love to have you and your honey.

My prayers are with your family as you welcome a new baby...God bless you all.

Lots of love and hugs,
Carole
John & Carole December 27, 2002...A Christmas Wedding...a wonderland of love.
John is in Heaven, now, as of April 10, 2007, holding my heart and my eternal love.
Vaya con Dios my darling, Vaya con Dios my love...
Photo taken by Ellen at the Knottie/Nestie Christmas Carol Sing...a Cherry Coke Toast! Siggy pic created in post by Sara, POG's Mom!

 
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04-07-2008 at 1:45 PM
Carole
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Also, I grew up in Forest Hills...Tree City, USA!

With your living in the east, you should be familiar with it.

It always has been a beautiful borough, safe and clean and I loved the curfew in the evening.

The school district is Woodland Hills, and I do not know too much about that...when I was in school there, our school was Churchill Area and it was very good.

Forest Hills is about fifteen minutes from Downtown.

We lived in the Edgewood Acres part of Forest Hills and it was very nice.

I worked as a dispatcher for our local police department, and the calls were a dream...it was very safe!

Wishing you the best, sweetie...

Love ya,
Carole
John & Carole December 27, 2002...A Christmas Wedding...a wonderland of love.
John is in Heaven, now, as of April 10, 2007, holding my heart and my eternal love.
Vaya con Dios my darling, Vaya con Dios my love...
Photo taken by Ellen at the Knottie/Nestie Christmas Carol Sing...a Cherry Coke Toast! Siggy pic created in post by Sara, POG's Mom!

 
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04-07-2008 at 2:03 PM
ashleyvc1
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We live in Blackridge, it's a community that is part Penn Hills, Churchill and Wilkinsburg.  I love it, so nice and everyone is friendly.  It is nice to live in such a mixed community (I find other areas of Pittsburgh to be VERY segregated).  There are only 7 houses on our street and there is 1 lesbain couple, 1 older white couple, 2 mixed couples, 2 black families and a Single mom and son.







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04-07-2008 at 2:33 PM
brideofaussie
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LOL

IMO you're living in it!

I also like Aspinwall.  I generally like walking communities, public transportation, older homes.  Generally city living.


In contrast to earlier times, our state now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation.

California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George 
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04-07-2008 at 5:47 PM
WhitneyAnne
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I grew up in Sewickley and I think it's the best ever.  The people are so friendly, the town is clean, there are parks and great schools and a cute little town with shops and cafes.  Its the kind of place where neighbors look out for one another and kids ride their bikes everywhere.  I love it :)
 
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